Today's Jewish Athlete, Tomorrow's Jewish Leader
This summer, more than five thousand Jewish teens from all over the U.S., Canada, Israel, Mexico, Great Britain, Poland, and Venezuela will share in the fun of competing and the pride of being part of a world-famous Olympic-style event filled with Jewish content and values. The host communities for the 2005 JCC Maccabi Games ® are:
Dallas, TX ( (July 31 -August 5)
San Antonio, TX and St. Paul, MN (August 7-12)
Richmond, VA (August 14-19)
The JCC Maccabi Games have been offering a life- and personality-shaping experience to Jewish teenagers since 1982. At this Jewish mini-Olympiad, each athlete has the chance to participate in one of 14 sporting events, creating memories that will last a lifetime. Over 100 delegations from JCCs will be participating in the Games this year. "It is an honor to be a part of the JCC Maccabi Games. Each year, I take pride in watching teenagers from all over the world come to compete while developing a sense of camaraderie, good sportsmanship and Jewish values," said Stephen R. Reiner, continental chair, JCC Maccabi Games.
The JCC Maccabi Games can be called the Olympics for Jewish teens, but they serve a larger purpose than athletic competition. The Games also promote community involvement, teamwork, and pride in being Jewish. For example, athletes visiting host communities stay with local Jewish families. This "home hospitality" is vital to the experience, representing the extended Jewish family and the value of welcoming the stranger. Also, every set of Games has a volunteer program called Days of Caring and Sharing, when athletes join with local community organizations to work on social-action projects. Past Days of Caring and Sharing activities have included building homes for the poor, holding carnivals for handicapped children, cleaning parks, and packaging food to be given to the hungry. The purpose is to teach tikkun olam (repairing the world) by example, so that these young people incorporate these values into their daily lives once they return home.
The Opening Ceremonies at the Games include a memorial to the 11 Israeli athletes killed by terrorists at the 1972 Olympics in Munich, Germany. The tribute to the Munich 11 is even more inspiring considering that recent Games athletes were not alive when the Israeli Olympians were murdered. Memorializing the Munich 11 encourages JCC Maccabians to remember the past, look to the future, and strive to lead a full and active Jewish life, both on and off the playing field.
Hang Time began in 2001 and has become an integral part of the JCC Maccabi Games. At each Games site, in an area called K'Far Maccabi or Maccabi Village, Israeli Hang-Time shlichim (delegates or emissaries) lead activities that teach about Israel, and Israeli and Jewish culture. From trivia games to creative Jewish arts projects to taking a "tour" of Israel on an enormous map, athletes and coaches can enjoy Jewish experiences in a fun, relaxed environment.
Interacting with delegations from around the world, including Israel, builds a sense of Klal Israel , the unity of the Jewish community. Israeli sister cities send athletes to participate alongside their American counterparts. Music, signage, a Jewish atmosphere--all contribute to the unique aura of the JCC Maccabi Games.
Almost eighty thousand teens have benefited from the JCC Maccabi Games since 1982. The energy and excitement make it a unique and unforgettable experience for every participant. Over 2,000 generous families will provide accommodations for thousands of athletes. More than 1,000 coaches will volunteer their time and talent to train and guide the participants throughout the Games, and a total of 16,000 volunteers will ensure that the weeklong event runs smoothly.
###
JCC Association
is the leadership network of, and central agency for the Jewish
Community Center Movement, which is comprised of 350 JCC,
YM-YWHA and camp sites in the U. S. and Canada. JCC Association
offers a wide range of services and resources to strengthen
the capacity of its affiliates to provide educational, cultural,
social, Jewish identity-building, and recreational programs
to enhance the lives of North American Jews of all ages and
backgrounds. Additionally, the movement fosters and strengthens
connections between North American Jews and Israel as well
as with world Jewry. JCC Association is also the U.S. government
accredited agency for serving the religious and social needs
of Jewish military personnel, their families, and patients
in VA hospitals through JWB Jewish Chaplains Council.
Miriam
Rinn
Communications Manager
JCC Association
15 E. 26 St., NY, NY 10010
212-786-5092
fax: 212-481-4174
send an e-mail
Back to Press Releases |
Privacy policy | Contact
us | Home |
Register | Update
my profile
|
